Electricity Acq Support (RFI).pdf

RFI /Sources Sought Notice for Electricity Acquisition Support

Consulting and Technical Support Services Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, VA

Synopsis:

A. Purpose of the RFI:

DLA Energy is seeking capability information from interested parties who can meet the requirements as defined in the attached Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS). DLA Energy invites responsible sources to respond to this RFI that have the capability to meet these requirements as a prime contractor at a fair and reasonable price and have an interest to propose on any subsequent procurement.

The DLA Energy, Consulting Services Contracts (DLA Energy -FEAAB) requests information concerning the availability of any and all capable contractors to provide Consulting and Technical Support for DLA Energy as described in the draft PWS, attached. Responses to this notice will assist the Government to understand industry interest and capabilities, to further refine the requirement and to determine the acquisition / socio-economic strategy. An RFI response will not give preference to any company, obligate the Government to a set-aside or be used as an offer/quote upon release of a related RFQ/RFP. Response to this request is not a requirement to submit offers on future RFQ’s or RFP’s.

B. Proposed Contract Structure:

1. The anticipated period of performance is one (1) 12-month base period with two (2) 12- month option periods.

2. The anticipated contract type is a hybrid Firm Fixed Price (FFP) with Time and Materials.

C. Your Firm’s Response:

DLA Energy -FEAAB encourages all interested companies to submit capabilities statements, tailored to the requirement, not to exceed ten pages.

Questions, comments and suggestions are also being sought with no page limitation.

Please provide a capability statement response that addresses your firm’s technical knowledge, capabilities and experience with providing services as detailed in the PWS. DLA Energy requests that respondents provide responses in the suggested format and address the following:

1. Cover Page to include:

a. Company name, address, point of contact name, title, email, GSA Schedule number (if applicable), CAGE Code and date.

b. Brief description of firm including the year the firm was established and number of employees and SAM registration Business Size classification.

Consulting and Technical Support Services Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, VA

2. Relevant Experience:

a. Provide a capabilities statement specifically detailing your firm’s experience and qualifications related to the scope of the PWS.

b. Provide a performance history of 1-3 projects of similar scope, completed within the last five years.

3. Questions:

a. Is there any additional information, which may be helpful in understanding this requirement?

b. Are there any aspects of this requirement that prevent your company from submitting a proposal?

4. Response format:

a. All responses must be in PDF format and shall contain no cost or pricing information.

b. Response files shall not exceed 10MB.

D. Submissions will be accepted via email only to: csteam@dla.mil.

E. Responses are requested no later than December 07, 2023 at 12:00 pm Fort Belvoir time.

F. The draft PWS describes only the scope of services currently contemplated and may vary from the scope in a final PWS included in any subsequent RFQ or RFP. All information received in response to this RFI marked “Proprietary” will be protected and handled accordingly. Respondents are responsible for clearly marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained in their response. RFI submissions will not be returned. Vendors responding to this Sources Sought shall bear all risks and expenses of any resources used to provide the requested information. The submission of capability information in response to this Sources Sought is purely voluntary.

G. NAICS Code: 541611 (Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services)

H. Principle Product Service Code: R410 (Support - Professional: Program evaluation/review/development)

Primary Point of Contact: Avril A. Penn, Contract Specialist

Contracting Office Address:

8725 John J. Kingman Road, Suite 3828 Fort Belvoir, Virginia 22060-6222 United States

Place of Contract Performance:

Contractor’s Facility CONUS Government Installations- United States mailto:csteam@dla.mil

Consulting and Technical Support Services Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, VA

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Defense Logistics Agency Energy (DLA Energy) requires analytical technical advisory and assistance support to procure retail electricity and, to a lesser extent, renewable energy in the Continental United States (CONUS) at fair and reasonable terms, while providing overall guidance to the acquisition team. The Contractor shall provide effective economic analytical skills and expert knowledge regarding various electricity related areas, such as competitive electricity acquisitions and PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements) for renewable projects in order to assist DLA Energy in awarding and administering various types of contracts.

2.0 BACKGROUND

Enable mission readiness by providing globally resilient energy solutions to the Warfighter and Whole of Government. The DLA Energy - Installation Energy Consulting Services Division Business Unit’s (Installation Energy) mission is to provide customer support in all electricity industry-related areas, such as competitive electricity acquisitions and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)/Renewable Energy Supply Agreement (RESAs) for renewable energy. The Electricity and Renewable Program (Program) provides retail electricity to participating installations or sites in de-regulated states. Roughly 80% of the technical support required is for the retail purchase of electricity and electricity-related commodities, and the other 20% of the Program will support Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and PPAs/RESAs.

2.1 Electricity: DLA Energy established the electricity program in 1996 and began soliciting requirements in 1997. DLA Energy is executing the competitive acquisition of Retail Open Access Electricity in the states that have implemented deregulation.

Customers are encouraged to partner with DLA Energy and aggregate regional electricity requirements to competitively procure the commodity of electricity and ancillary items.

DLA Energy is actively managing over 13M megawatt hours of electricity valued at over $750M under multi-year contracts.

2.2 Renewables: Installation Energy issues solicitations for the provisioning, production, purchase, and delivery of energy and all associated environmental attributes generated from on-site and off-site renewable generation facilities on behalf of DoD under authority 10 U.S.C 2922a and Federal Civilian agencies under authority FAR Part

41. Under the 10 U.S.C 2922a authority, DLA Energy is able to award long-term PPAs/RESAs with Contractors for up to 30 years. This requirement is in response to several Energy Policies, Executive Orders and National Defense Authorization Acts that were aimed at reducing DoD carbon emissions, reducing the departments dependence on fossil fuels and setting goals to increase the DoD’s consumption of energy generated from clean renewable sources. Alternatively, Installation Energy supports these initiatives with the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) program which allows customers with limited resources to meet their renewable energy goals.

3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

When requested, the Contractor shall provide DLA Energy with effective economic analytical skills and expert knowledge regarding various electricity related areas to include competitive electricity acquisitions, for both regular grid electricity as well as Carbon Pollution-Free electricity, and PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements) for renewable projects. The Contractor shall provide expert advice, facilitation and feedback on electricity and renewable acquisition strategies, in order to assist DLA Energy in awarding and administering various types of contracts.

4.0 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

4.1 The Contractor shall provide services covering all facets of the below tasks with emphasis on solutions to economic problems which affect the acquisition and management of the Program (this includes but is not limited to; utility industry subscriptions and price-related data accessibility). The Contractor shall be knowledgeable of state retail electricity restructuring and have experience supporting retail entities purchasing electricity. The Contractor shall also demonstrate in-depth knowledge of Independent Service Operators (ISOs) and Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs), with regard to tariffs, rules, and regulations.

4.2 The Contractor shall prepare and provide written reports of competitive electrical retail supply acquisitions containing the Contractor’s findings and recommendations. The Contractor’s report may also involve the evaluation of options and methods for reducing electricity-related costs, conducting economic analysis and making recommendations, and evaluation of trends (in terms of electricity rates) to support determination of long-range planning parameters. The Contractor shall support these tasks that are variable in scope, timeliness, and priority level.

4.3 Economic Survey Assessment (Planning Phase): The Contractor shall deliver a written Economic Survey Assessment, including a market summary report in the acquisition planning phase of each of the aforementioned Programs containing the Contractor’s findings and recommendations. Elements of the Economic Survey Assessment should ultimately assist the Government in the Market Research component of the acquisition planning phase, and shall include, at a minimum:

4.3.1. Market Survey of the ISOs or RTOs’ service area to analyze current market conditions. (This will be no more than 5 pages, single spaced, and in narrative information). Using Electricity Forecast Summary (see Exhibit A), the Contractor shall provide the Government a Market Survey prior to the projected start of an acquisition. Additionally, the Contractor shall review any previous solicitations to analyze any technical changes to the ISO/RTO affecting that particular acquisition. The Contractor shall deliver a summary report analyzing any new regulations affecting the solicitation, risks or unique aspects of the procurement impacting price or milestones (i.e., proposed delivery method, etc.).

Note: If there is more than one acquisition in a particular ISO/RTO within a 12-month period, the Contractor shall only submit one Market Survey pertaining to the acquisition(s) identified by the Government. The Contractor will still be responsible for the review and analysis of market changes that may impact each specific acquisition listed in Electricity Forecast Summary (see Exhibit A).

4.3.2 Competition Assessment Report: The Contractor shall analyze any changes in the marketplace in comparison to the most recent Installation Energy’s electricity procurements (no more than 5 pages, single-spaced, of narrative information) in the Competition Assessment Report. The Competition Assessment Report shall include, but not be limited to:

1. An analysis of the expected retail electricity competitors in the marketplace participating in the procurement of Retail Electricity.

2. Market news regarding mergers affecting the anticipated competition for Installation Energy’s electricity procurements.

4.3.3 Strategy to Increase Contractor Participation for Renewable Acquisitions: The Contractor shall recommend and report strategies (no more than 5 pages, single-spaced, of narrative information) in a written report entitled, “Strategy to Increase Contractor Participation for Renewable Acquisitions,” which details how the Government can access and communicate with new potential Government contractors that are capable of meeting the requirements of its solicitations. The Contractor shall develop strategies annually in effort to build more qualified suppliers to the Program.

4.4 Request for Proposal (RFP)/Request for Quote (RFQ) Recommendations: When requested, the Contractor shall prepare and provide a written report for electricity program solicitations, to include tracked-changes to the upcoming proposed solicitation.

The recommendations shall be technical in nature, and compare DLA Energy’s solicitation to what is acceptable, changing, or inferior in the commercial sector; the goal is to ensure DLA Energy’s solicitations remain similarly parallel to a contract with respect to commercial terms. To accomplish this task, the Government will issue the Contractor a schedule of each Program intended to be solicited for the upcoming year (s), and the most recent (previous or current) solicitation upon award.

4.5 Invoice Review: The Contractor shall inspect invoices for billing discrepancies on for the Portfolio Approach acquisition and any renewables acquisitions.

4.6 Electricity/Renewable/Utility Consultation/Guidance: The Contractor shall provide expert consultation services, advice and guidance including, but not limited to, the items outlined in Sections 4.6.1 through 4.6.4 below. The Contractor shall respond to e-mail requests for information within 24 hours of notification, confirming that the request sent by the Government has been received. All requested consultation or guidance in response to the Government’s initial request shall be submitted to the Government within two (2) calendar days of the initial request; if more time is required, an extension may be requested to either the Contracting Office (CO) or Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

4.6.1 Technical Assistance: When technical assistance is requested prior to a negotiation session, modification, or solicitation, the Contractor shall review and analyze all relevant documents affecting the rates, charges, general terms and conditions of Program’s solicitation, to include any applicable exceptions to terms.

4.6.2 Documentation of Offeror Exceptions: When requested, the Contractor shall assist the Government in formulating a written response to exceptions received when analyzing technical proposals from competitive retail electricity suppliers (Offerors), in response to DLA Energy solicitations.

4.6.3 Negotiation Objectives: The Contractor shall analyze the existing government/commercial contracts with regards to (but not limited to): rates, facilities charges, termination liabilities, connection charges, contracts terms/conditions; and development of negotiation strategies with consideration given to potential alternate suppliers (including federal power marketing agencies) that are accessible through wheeling/transportation agreements or regulatory changes, and incentive packages.

4.6.4 Rate Adjustments or Terminations: The Contractor shall analyze the impact of new/revised regulatory requirements, full/partial terminations, or other potential drivers that may have an effect on the awarded contract’s price. The Contractor shall provide a preliminary brief to government personnel on any problem, potential solutions, and recommended negotiation strategies for anticipated rate and/or price adjustments. When appropriate, the Contractor shall make recommendations or suggest new approaches for any subsequent negotiations. No later than five (5) business days after a negotiation session, the Contractor shall prepare and submit a written report to include meeting minutes. This report shall contain a description of the efforts accomplished at the negotiation session, describe each issue addressed in the negotiation session, and list any open action item to be resolved by any party (DLA, the company, or the contractor).

The report following the final negotiation session shall include positive and/or negative impact of the negotiations, comparative calculations of the DLA utility cost and usage computed as the differentials between the old rate and charges and the new rate and charges or price (as applicable) as a result of the negotiations.

4.7 Participate in a Post-Award Conference

The Post-Award Conference shall provide an introduction between the Contractor personnel and Government personnel who will be involved with the contract. The meeting shall provide the opportunity to discuss technical, management and security issues. The Post Award Conference will aid both the Government and Contractor in achieving a clear and mutual understanding of all requirements, and identify and resolve any potential issues. The Contractor shall be prepared to discuss any items requiring clarification and gather information as necessary to support each deliverable. This conference shall take place virtually through the means of a teleconference.

4.8 The Contractor may be required by the Government to perform CONUS travel to attend high level meetings 0-10% of the overall performance period. The Contractor shall be available for these in-person meeting requests with ten (10) calendar days’ notice. Travel that is approved in writing and in advance in support of this contract will be performed on a cost-reimbursable basis, subject to the limitations set forth herein.

4.8.1 Costs for transportation, lodging, meals and incidental expenses incurred by the

Contractor are allowable subject to the limitations contained in the Federal Travel Regulations and/or Joint Travel Regulations. Contractors cannot use the GSA Airfares (City Pair Program). The airfare shall be the prevailing rates for commercial airlines at coach class. When required, the most reasonable means of ground transportation (i.e., taxi, bus, car rental) shall also be used. Contractors shall submit copies of expense reports and receipts with monthly invoices for payment. Upon completion of the travel, Contractor will provide a written trip report in word format to the COR as supporting documentation to validate the reimbursable costs.

4.8.2 The Government shall allot a ‘Not-to-Exceed’ amount as part of the budgeted travel expense under any resultant contract. In addition, the contractor requires written approval from either the COR or Contracting Officer prior to incurring any travel expenses.

4.8.3 The Government will not reimburse local travel and related expenses to the Contractor for daily travel to or from work at Ft. Belvoir, VA or any other location within the National Capital Region.

5.0 DELIVERABLES TABLE

The below table represents deliverables due by the Contractor to the Government after contract award. The reference provided in the Deliverables Table below represents the section of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) that outlines the requirement specifically. The “Deliverable / Format” column represents the title/type of the item or product due and what format it shall be provided. The “Frequency/Due Date” column is when it is the responsibility of the Contractor to deliver the item to the COR, or other designated representative as specified in the referenced requirement section. Deliverable dates noted below are estimates. Any change to these dates must be approved by the COR or CO in writing.

PWS Reference Deliverable / Format Frequency / Due Date

Task 1

4.3 Economic Survey Assessment

Report – Written report

Annually per ISO/RTO

4.3.1 Market Survey - Written report

(see Exhibit A- Electricity Forecast Summary)

Annually per ISO/RTO

4.3.2 Competition Assessment Report

– Written report

One annual report for PJM market and one report every two years for each acquisition within ISONE, ERCOT and MISO markets

4.3.3 Strategy to Increase Contractor

Participation - Written report

One annual report for PJM market and one report every two years for each acquisition within ISONE, ERCOT and MISO markets

4.4 Request for Proposal

(RFP)/Request for Quote (RFQ) Recommendations – Written report

One annual report for PJM market and one report as needed/requested for each acquisition within ISONE, ERCOT and MISO markets

4.5 Invoice Review As requested

4.6 Consultation/Guidance – Phone

Call/E-Mail

As requested; 14 calendar days to complete

4.6.1 Technical Assistance – Phone

Call/E-Mail

As requested; 14 calendar days to complete

4.6.2 Documentation of Exceptions –

Written Report

As requested

4.6.3 Negotiation Objectives As requested

4.6.4 Rate Adjustments/Termination –

Written Report and Meeting Minutes

As requested, NLT 5 business days after negotiation session

4.7 Post Award Conference No later than (NLT) 5 business days after contract award

4.8 Travel - Receipts As required, IAW JTR with each trip

6.0 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

The service requirements are summarized into performance objectives that relate directly to mission-essential items. The performance threshold briefly describes the minimum acceptable levels of service required for each requirement. These thresholds are critical to mission success.

Periodic meetings will discuss progress/requirement shortcomings and how to correct those issues/shortcomings.

Performance Objective PWS Paragraph

Performance Threshold Method of Surveillance

Provide written reports of competitive electrical supply acquisitions

4.2 Accurate Reports are

delivered 100% of the time

Review by the

COR

Provide a written Economic Survey Assessment Report

4.3 Accurate Reports are

delivered 100% of the time

Review by the

COR

Provide a written Market Survey Report

4.3.1 Accurate Reports are

delivered 100% of the time

Review by the

COR

Provide a Competition Assessment Report

4.3.1.2 Accurate Reports are

delivered 100% of the time

Review by the

COR

Develop strategy to increase Contractor participation for Renewable Acquisitions

4.3.1.3 Accurate Reports are

delivered 100% of the time

Review by the

COR

Provide Solicitation Assessment Report

4.4 Accurate Reports are

delivered 100% of the time

Review by the

COR

Provide Proposal Recommendation Report

4.5.2.1 Recommendations are

provided 100% on time when requested

Review by the

COR

Invoice Review 4.5 Invoice reviews are provided 100% on the time when requested

Review by the

COR

Provide Electricity/Renewable/Utility

Consultation guidance

4.6 Guidance is provided

100% on time when requested

Review by the

COR

Provide Technical Assistance prior to a negotiation session, modification or solicitation

4.6 Technical Assistance is

provided 100% on time when requested

Review by the

COR

Provide documentation of Contractor Exceptions

4.6.2 Documentation of

Contractor Exceptions is provided 100% on time when requested

Analyze existing contracts and develop negotiation strategies

4.5.4.3 Negotiation strategy is

provided 100% on time when requested

Review by the

COR

Provide Rate Adjustments/Termination Reports

4.6.4 Rate

Adjustments/Termination Reports are provided 100% on time when requested

7.0 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The place of performance shall be at the Contractor’s facility. Contractor shall be available for meetings at DLA Energy, or other locations (CONUS) as required. Any travel required in performance of this CLIN shall be approved by the CO or COR in writing prior to its occurrence, and charged to the appropriate Travel CLIN.

8.0 QUALITY CONTROL

The Contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with the PWS. The Contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The Contractor‘s quality control program is the means to which the Contractor can quantifiably ensure compliance to the requirement of the resultant Contract.

9.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE

9.1. The Government reserves the right to perform inspections and surveillance to evaluate the Contractor’s compliance to the contract terms and performance of the requirements in the PWS. The Government will make every effort to ensure that the surveillance methods described below are conducted in an objective, fair, and consistent manner.

9.2 Periodic Surveillance This action occurs when the COR or other Government official observes the Contractor’s performance on a periodic basis. Surveillance may be increased or decreased depending on the level of non-conformances or deficiencies noted during monthly surveillance.

9.3 Customer Complaint Surveillance This action is instituted when the COR receives a complaint from a stakeholder regarding the Contractor’s service. The COR will conduct an investigation to determine its validity. If the complaint is deemed valid, the COR will immediately notify the CO for action. The COR will notify both the Contract Manager and the complainant of the Government’s response to their complaint.

9.4 Non-conformance/deficiency. Examples of Contractor’s non-conformance, unsatisfactory performance, and/or deficiency in service include evidence of accidents, incidents, and/or delays. Regardless of where in the line-of-duty the COR observes these events, he/she has an obligation to document and report the event to the CO. Minor non-conformances identified during periodic surveillance may be documented informally between the COR and the Contractor via e-mail. Repeat non-conformances, customer complaints or major non-conformances will be documented in writing on a Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR).

9.5 Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR). In the event of unsatisfactory contractor performance, the COR or CO will issue a CDR that will explain the circumstances and findings concerning the incomplete, unsatisfactory, deficient, and/or non-conforming service provided by the Contractor. The Contractor shall acknowledge receipt of the CDR and respond in writing as to how the unacceptable performance will be corrected and avoided in the future within five (5) business days. The Government will review the Contractor's CDR and corrective action response to determine acceptability and will use any completed CDR as part of an overall evaluation of Contractor performance when determining present or future contractual actions.

10.0 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE

10.1 The Contractor must not employ persons for work on this contract if such an employee is considered by the COR to be a potential threat to the health, safety, security, general well-being, or operational mission of any installation and its population. Personnel shall be a United States citizen.

10.2 The Contractor must not employ any person who is an employee of the U.S. Government if employing that person would create a conflict of interest.

10.3 The Contractor must speak, read and write the English language fluently. English shall be the only language used with regard to this contract for written correspondence, discussions and other business transactions.

11.0 KEY CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL

The proposed Vendor shall propose a minimum of three (3) “Key Personnel” with the skillset, working knowledge, necessary qualifications and SME(s) to effectively perform the scope of work for this PWS. All Key Personnel proposed shall fully meet and possess the respective qualification(s), experience level, degrees and/or certifications(s) for which they are proposed by the Vendor at the time quotes are submitted. Resumes, Certifications and copies of degrees must be provided for Key Personnel that will be utilized during requirement performance.

The following personnel are considered “Key” Personnel:

1. Project Manager

2. Senior Economist

3. Economist

Project Manager (PM)/Primary Point of Contact (P-POC):

This individual shall be the Contractor's primary representative during contract performance and shall have the Contractor's full authority to act on matters pertaining to the performance of services under this contract, including authority to bind the Contractor in contractual matters.

The Contractor’s PM/P-POC shall have relevant technical experience and be knowledgeable in all facets of work to be performed under this PWS. The individual’s point of contact information (name, telephone, email, and address) must be submitted as well as point of contact information for an alternate or alternates that will act in the PM’s absence.

The PM/P-POC shall have the following experience:

1. The PM/P-POC shall have at least fifteen (15) years of experience, with twenty (20) years preferred, in the electricity industry.

2. Demonstrated skills and experience of compiling reports, metrics data, and other administrative functions.

3. Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining effective working relationships with a wide array of Government personnel and organizations.

4. Demonstrated experience in contract management, with experience with federal government contracts preferred.

5. Demonstrated experience understanding the roles of the utility distribution company, independent system operators, power exchanges, private utility service providers, and power marketing administrations. Understand how the interplay of these roles may affect contract terms, performance and administration.

Note 1: Alternates must be clearly annotated in the Contractor’s proposal as such.

Education requirements:

1. Possess a Masters’ Degree in Business, Finance/Economics-related field, with a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Business, Finance/Economic-related field preferred.

Senior Economist:

1. The Senior Economist shall have at least fifteen (15) years of experience, with twenty (20) years preferred, in the electricity industry.

2. Independently provides, or leads teams that provide technical assistance and advice on financial and economic issues as specified in the PWS.

3. Demonstrated knowledge of theoretical and empirical mathematical modeling to estimate the risks, costs, and impacts of financial market fluctuations and regulatory policy changes.

4. Demonstrated experience with projections concerning economic factors related to energy market conditions, or energy industry practices.

5. Demonstrated significant experience with electricity infrastructure industry and possess a recognized reputation working for or with utilities, vendors, and state/local government.

6. Demonstrated strong writing capabilities and the ability to present information clearly and capably in a public setting.

1. Possess a Masters’ Degree in Business, Finance/Economics-related field, with a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Business, Finance/Economic-related field preferred.

Economist:

1. The Economist shall have at least five (5) years of experience in the Energy sector, experience with the electricity industry is preferred.

2. The Economist shall have knowledge of the Nation’s electricity infrastructure, an understanding of stakeholders, utilities, vendors, and policy implementation.

3. Knowledge of energy markets, valuation models, methods and tools.

4. Demonstrated experience with electricity related technologies and policies, energy user/operator needs and issues.

5. Demonstrated experience working with states, providers, and others addressing electricity infrastructure needs and the use of energy storage technologies and best practices.

1. Possess a Bachelor‘s degree in business finance/economic-related fields.

The Contractor shall not remove or replace any personnel designated as key personnel for this Contract (including the option years), without the written concurrence of the CO. This notification shall be no later than two (2) weeks (14 calendar days) in advance of any proposed substitution and shall include justification and labor category of proposed substitution(s) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on contract performance. If immediate substitution is necessary due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, death, or termination of employment, the Contractor shall notify the CO/COR within three (3) business days after the occurrence of any of these events. The Contractor must provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, provide complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and provide any additional information requested by the COR at that time.

The COR through the CO should notify the Contractor of the acceptability of the substitutes within three (3) business days after receipt of all required information. Substitute personnel qualifications shall be greater than or equal to the personnel being substituted. If the CO determines that (1) suitable and timely replacement of key personnel who have been reassigned, terminated or have otherwise become unavailable for the contract work is not reasonably forthcoming , or (2) the resultant substitution would be so substantial to impair the successful

Consulting and Technical Support Services Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, VA completion of the contract or contract in accordance with the proposal accepted by the Government at the time of contract award, the CO may (i) terminate the contract for default or for convenience of the Government, as appropriate, or (ii) terminate the contract at his/her discretion, and if the he/she finds the Contractor at fault for the condition, equitably adjust the contract price downward to compensate the Government for any resultant delay, loss, or damage.

12.0 TECHNICAL DIRECTION

The designated COR is the only other person aside from the Contracting Officer (CO) to provide technical direction on contract performance. Technical direction from the COR includes:

(1) Direction to the Contractor which assists him in accomplishing the Statement of Work; and

(2) Comments on and approval of reports or other deliverables.

(b) When the individual providing technical direction is not the CO, he does not have the authority to issue technical direction that—

1. Institutes additional work outside the scope of the contract;

2. Constitutes a change as defined in the CHANGES clause;

3. Causes an increase or decrease in the estimated cost of the contract;

4. Alters the period of performance; or

5. Changes any of the other express terms or conditions of the contract.

A Contractor following such unauthorized direction may be found in breach of contract and may not be reimbursed for increased costs resulting therefrom. Only a CO may authorize changes to the contract PWS.

13.0 TRAVEL AND OTHER DIRECT COSTS

13.1 The Contractor may be required by the Government to periodically travel within the Continental United States (CONUS). The Government will not reimburse local travel and related expenses to the Contractor for daily travel to or from work at Ft. Belvoir, VA or any other location within the National Capital Region.

13.2 For all travel the Contractor shall obtain prior written approval from the COR.

Information that must be submitted to the COR shall include travel dates, expected duration, origin and destination, purpose, estimated costs and number/names of personnel traveling.

The Contractor shall use only the minimum number of travelers and rental cars needed to accomplish the requirements of the travel. Travel shall be scheduled during normal duty hours whenever possible. Airfare will be reimbursed for actual common carrier fares which are obtained by the most reasonable and economical means (tourist class). When required, the most reasonable means of ground transportation (i.e., taxi, bus, car rental) shall also be used. Travel reimbursement will be for travel costs and per diem only in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulations and FAR 31.205-46.

13.3 Other Direct Costs (ODCs): ODCs are anticipated and include periodic hard copy reports and other non-routine expenses required and considered critical to the services being acquired in the performance of this Contract. All requests for Other Direct Costs must be approved in writing by the DLA Energy Contracting Officer (CO) or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) prior to incurring costs.

14.0 GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY (GFP)/INFORMATION (GFI)

14.1 The Government will provide copies of, or access to, all required Government directives, publications and documentation, and will provide other necessary resources and information to accomplish the requirement. The Contractor must ensure protection, through completed non-disclosure statements, of the integrity and sensitivity of the information provided by DLA Energy or collected from any other source while performing under this requirement. All documents and technical data provided to the Contractor during the execution of this service are considered confidential and shall not become property of the Contractor, unless specifically authorized by DLA Energy.

14.2 Request for (additional) Government Furnished Property and Services must be submitted in writing to the COR and will be acted upon by the Government within 30 days of receipt. Except for those items specifically stated in this section, the Contractor shall furnish everything required to perform the services in this Contract.

15.0 GENERAL

15.1 Period of Performance:

The period of performance shall be for one (1) Base Period of One Year with Four (4) One-Year Option periods beginning on July 8, 2024.

15.2 Type of Contract:

The Government will award a hybrid Contract type – Firm Fixed Price and Time and Material CLINs with fixed Labor rates.

15.3 Duty Location:

The majority of the effort shall be performed at the Contractor’s own facilities unless otherwise stated herein.

15.4 Hours of Operation:

Contractor work schedules will coincide with the work schedules of Government employees working at DLA Energy, with maximum availability from 0800-1630 EST (Eastern Standard Time) on Government workdays. Normal duty days shall be Monday through Friday, excluding Government-observed holidays or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government-directed facility closings. (Announcements on the status of Government operations in the Washington, DC, area will be available at http://www.opm.gov/policy-http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/currentstatus data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/currentstatus

Recorded messages on operating status also will be provided by OPM’s Office of Communications on (202) 606-1900. The Contractor must at all times maintain an adequate work force for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS when the Government facility is not closed. This schedule will facilitate coordination with Government personnel. With appropriate advanced approval from the Contracting Officer (CO), hours outside of these normal working hours may be authorized. The following is a list of Federal holidays where the Government will be closed:

New Year’s Day Labor Day Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday Columbus Day President’s Day Veteran’s Day Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day Juneteenth Day Christmas Day

Independence Day

15.14 Contractor personnel shall not divulge, or release privacy data or information developed or obtained in the performance of this Contract, until made public or specifically authorized by the Government. Contractor personnel shall be required to sign non-disclosure agreements. The Contractor shall not use, disclose, or reproduce third part data, other than as authorized and required by the Contracting Officer, in the performance of this Contract.

15.15 The Contractor must not employ person(s) for work on this Contract if such an employee is considered by the Contracting Officer to be a potential threat to the health, safety, security, general well-being or operational mission of the installation and its population. All proposed personnel shall be United States citizens.

15.16 The Contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all government property provided for Contractor use. At the end of normal duty hours and/or after normal duty hours, all government facilities, equipment and materials must be secured.

15.17 Contractor personnel shall present a neat appearance and be easily recognized as Contractor employees by wearing a Security Identification Badge at all times while on Government premises. When Contractor personnel attend meetings, answer phones, and work in other situations where their status is not obvious to third parties they must identify themselves, as such, to avoid creating the impression that they are Government employees.

15.18 The Contractor shall assure that persons assigned to render services under this Contract are under the direction and control of the Contractor at all times and are not employees of the government.

http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/currentstatus

16.0 NON-PERSONAL SERVICES

16.1 The Government will neither supervise Contractors nor control the method by which they Contractor performs the required tasks. Under no circumstances will the Government prepare work schedules for individual Contractors. It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to manage its employees and to guard against actions that are of a personal services nature or give the perception of personal services. If the Contractor believes that any actions constitute or are perceived to constitute personal services, it shall be the Contractors responsibility to notify the Contracting Officer in writing immediately.

17.0 BUSINESS RELATIONS

17.1 The Contractor will successfully integrate and coordinate all activity needed to execute the requirements of the PWS. The Contractor shall manage the timeliness, completeness and quality of problem identification. The Contractor shall provide corrective action plans, proposal submittals, timely identification of issues and effective management of sub-Contractors. The Contractor will seek to ensure customer satisfaction, professional and ethical behavior of all Contractor personnel.

18.0 ACRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS

Acronyms and Definitions

CO Contracting Officer

CONUS Inside the Continental United States

COR Contracting Officer Representative

CPARS Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System

DoD Department of Defense

ERCOT Electric Reliability Council of Texas

FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation

FTR/JTR Federal Travel Regulations/Joint Travel Regulations

GFE Government Furnished Equipment

GFI Government Furnished Information

ISO Independent System Operator

ISONE Independent System Operator – New England

LH Labor Hour

MISO Midcontinent Independent System Operator

MSR Monthly Status Report

OCI Organizational Conflict of Interest

OCONUS Outside the continental United States

PM Project Manager

PMP Project Management Professional

PPIRS Past Performance Information Retrieval System

PRS Performance Requirements Summary

QASP Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

SME Subject Matter Expert

SOP Standard Operating Procedures

LMP Local Marginal Price

REC Renewable Energy Certificate

DLA Energy Electricity Program Approximately 8 distinct regions whereby DLA Energy provides contract support for roughly 10 different solicitations within CONUS). See Exhibit A for a complete list of Programs, and a complete list of ISOs the DLA Energy’s Electricity Program currently participates in.